Ask the doctor: Rest, fluids, fever reducers top Tamiflu

QUESTION: I read that the British Medical Journal has accused Roche Pharmaceuticals of failing to provide full access to the research data on Tamiflu. The article said that there's really no evidence that Tamiflu can actually stop the flu. Do you agree? --M.S., West Chester, Pa.

ANSWER: Even if the antiviral treatment for flu works as stated, it only reduces the duration of flu symptoms by an average of 1.3 days in most adults, and by roughly 36 hours in children. So the benefit of a five-day course of Tamiflu is modest at best.

For some time, investigators have been concerned about Tamiflu for two reasons: First, Tamiflu's manufacturer, Roche claims that there are 10 studies that show Tamiflu's effectiveness. However, only two studies showing its superiority over placebo were actually published in scientific journals. Roche has been unwilling to provide all requested data that supports the effectiveness of Tamiflu.

The FDA still approves Tamiflu for the treatment of uncomplicated influenza A and B in those ages 1 and older who have been symptomatic for no more than two days. However, Tamiflu has not been shown in any clinical trials to reduce the rate of hospitalization, flu complications or death compared to folks receiving a placebo. Until the FDA makes a decision to pull the drug off the market, I will prescribe it with a great deal of skepticism, lots of fluids, rest and acetaminophen/ibuprofen.

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Ask the doctor: Rest, fluids, fever reducers top Tamiflu

QUESTION: I read that the British Medical Journal has accused Roche Pharmaceuticals of failing to provide full access to the research data on Tamiflu. The article said that there's really no evidence